Compensated measuring apparatus



1951 o. B. VETTER COMPENSATED MEASURING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1948 INVENTOR. OTTO B. VETTER AT TO ZTI IQ S Oct. 9, 1951 o. B. VETTE 2,570,410

COMPENSATED MEASURING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 5, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q \Q Q? *3 l Q Q Q .9 9 LL I INVENTOR. m OTTO B. VETTER wazwk ATTORN 5 Oct. 9, 1951 o. B. VETTER COMPENSATED MEASURING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 5, 1948 DISPLACEMENT OF LEVER 46 FIG. IO

FIG.I|

DISPLACEMENT 0F LEVER 46 FIG.

INVENTOR. OTTO B. VETTER DISPLACEMENT OF LEVER 46 ML TQM ATTCRN YS Patented Oct. 9, 1951 UNITED STATES ,siai

FATE T FHCE Otto B. Vetter, McKeesport, Pa., assignor to Hagan Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application February 5, 1948, Serial No. 6,522

19 Claims.

The instant invention relates to measuring devices, and particularly to improvements in motion transforming devices used in conjunction therewith for compensating a principal variable for the effects of a secondary variable.

The principal object of my invention is to provide novel measuring apparatus which accurately compensates a principal variable undergoing measurement for the effects of a secondary variable. E

Another object of my invention is to provide adjustable motion transforming mechanism wherein the output-motion may be made to follow accurately any function of the input motion which is within the range of functions ordinarily encountered in the compensation of one variable for the effects of another variable.

Many industrial measurement and control installations require that the principal variable undergoing measurement be corrected for the effects of secondary variables in order to isolate and exhibit the true or theoretical value of the principal variable for control and other purposes. Thus, for example, it is often desirable to know the flow of a gas in terms of specified reference or standard conditions, whereas in actual fact the prevailing conditions may be far removed from those selected. This corrected value is particularly important, for example, where gas is measured at'pressures and temperatures which difier from those on which its sale is based. Where this situation exists, the apparent flow of gas, obtained generally by measuring the pressure differential created by the gas as it traverses an orifice plate or analogous primary element, may be misleading and of little practical use.

By compensating the apparent gas flow for the eflect of such interfering factors as fluctuations in specific gravity, temperature and/ or pressure, however, an accurate and useful measurement is obtained. In most instances, correct compensation for an interfering factor is obtained by transforming the movement exhibited by a conventional measuring element responsive to said factor into a second movement which bears the proper mathematical relation to the variable undergoing correction. Thus, for-example, the .magnitude of a principal variable undergoing measurement might vary inversely with the square :root of a secondary variable, while the device measuring the secondary variable might deflect in proportion to changes in said variable. This motion conversion is ordinarily accomplished by means of motion transforming linkage empirically designedfor the express problem encountered.

On the other hand, the general objective of my invention is -to dispense with the necessity of providing a separate linkage for each type of compensation; rather th instant invention provides a universally-adjustable transforming linkage which selectively and faithfully reproduces all functions commonly encountered in instrument installations.

Stated briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a shaft on which a pair of spaced arms are adjustably mounted, one of the arms being linked to and actuated by mechanism which measures and exhibits a corrective factor. The other arm is adjustably interconnected to a separate, rotatable lever. This latter lever in turn controls the length of a rotatable variable length arm which is displaced angularly from its null position in direct proportion to the magnitude of the uncorrected primary measurement. The manner in which this novel combination of elements promotes accurate and dependable measurements, as well as the manner in which the adjustments incorporated therewith extend its scope of application, will become clearer as this exposition proceeds.

In order that my invention may be more fully disclosed, reference is had to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one form of apparatus embodying the foregoing and such other principles,.advantages or capabilities as may be pointed out as this description proceeds, or as are in herent in the present invention. For purposes of clarity in exposition, the following description is explicit, and the accompanying drawin s are detailed, but it is distinctly to be understood that said exposition is illustrative only, and that my invention is not restricted to .the particular details recited in the specification or shown in the drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a schematic view of a measuring system incorporating the instant invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary front elevational view showing a preferred embodiment of my invention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view taken in section along the line 3+3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, illustrating the adjustabilitv thereof.

Figure 6 is a detailed fragmentary side elevational view thereof;

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are schematic views, taken in rear elevation of a portion of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, illustrating different settings whereby diiferent compensating characteristics may be obtained;

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are aritlnnetic plots of representative correction curves obtained through the use of the settings shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, respectively; and

Figure 13 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken in section on the line |3l 3 of Figure 3.

Like reference characters designate like parts in the drawings and in the description of my invention which follows:

The advantages and capabilities of the instant invention will be more readily comprehended by first demonstrating its utility as applied to a specific measuring system and then, in the light of this disclosure, demonstrating its inherent versatility. To this end, a preferred form of my novel compensating linkage is shown in the drawings, particularly in Figure 1 thereof, as being combined with (a) a gas flow measuring element of the ring balance type and (b) a specific gravity measuring element of the ring balance type.

The gas fiow measuring element, in common with conventional ring balance instruments, includes a hollow torus H! divided by a partition I l and a body of liquid l2 into two separate compartments which are connected through inlets l3 and M to the pressure taps I5, l6, respectively. Said taps |5 and I6 are connected across the primary element I! in the conduit l8, hence any pressure difierential which exists across the primary element ll is reflected back to the compartmented torus Ill. The torus Ill, being fixed to an axle [9 which is hinged about a knife-edged fulcrum 2|), tends to rotate due to the force unbalance which the pressure differential creates across the partition I I. As the torus I0 displaces from its null position, however, the counterweight 2| sets up a progressively increasing counter or opposing force which, when it equalizes exactly the force due to the pressure differential, fixes the torus 9 at an equilibrium position.

Since the relation between pressure differential across a primary element and the flow therethrough follows a definite function (in the ideal case volumetric gas fiow is directly proportional to the square root of the pressure differential), the resultant displacement of the torus 9 from its null position is a measure of the apparent gas fiow. This displacement may be measured and recorded by suitable mechanism. As seen in Figure 1, a cam 22 is secured to and moves with the torus 9. Movement of the cam 22 actuates the cam fol-- lower 23, which drives a first bell crank 24 about a fixed center of rotation 24a. The bell crank 24 is linked to and drives a yoke 25 through a connecting link 26, said yoke 25 positioning a pen arm 21 and a first take-off lever 28.

In order to obtain a deflection of the pen arm 2'1 and the lever 28 which is proportional to the apparent gas flow, rather than to the pressure differential across the element H, the cam follower 23 is made to follow a uniformly retarded motion. This obtains from the parabolic displacement of the cam 22, which in effect extracts the square 1 7.

root of the pressure differential. Thus, the pen 29 secured to the pen arm 2i records the instantaneous value of the uncorrected gas fiow on a suitably calibrated chart (not shown).

As indicated above, a more accurate indication of the gas flow is obtained by compensating the uncorrected or apparent gas fiow for fluctuations in specific gravity about a selected base or reference. The preferred measuring apparatus which provides this specific gravity measurement is shown in figure l as including a by-pass line 30 shunted across the conduit I6 upstream of the element I1, and a constant volume blower uni interposed in said line 30. By inserting a primary element (not shown) in the line 30 downstream of the constant volume blower 3|, a pressure differential is obtained which is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the gas. This fol.- lows from the simplified flow relation wherein Q is volumetric rate of flow, A p is the pressure differential across a suitable primary element, and w is the weight density of the gas (proportional to the specific gravity of the gas). Because the value of Q through the primary element in the line 30 is constant due to the action of the constant volume blower 3|, this equation may be reduced to the relation Ap w, from which it is apparent that the pressure differential is a direct measure of the gas specific gravity.

Pressure taps 32 and 33 transfer this pressure differential to the torus 34 through the pressure inlets 35 and 36, respectively. Like the torus 10, the torus 34 is centrally supported by an axle 90 which bears upon a knife-edged fulcrum 2E), and includes a partition 31 and a body of liquid 38. In practice it is customary to mount the torus 34 coaxially with the torus l0 however, for purposes of clarity Figure 1 shows the tori Ill and 34 separated. Similarly, the force exerted on the partition 31 by the pressure differential acts to rotate the torus 34, this movement being opposed by the displacement of the counterweight 39. The torus 34 carries a cam 40 which actuates a cam follower GI, the motion of the cam follower 4| being transmitted to a bell crank 43 pivoted on a fixed center of rotation 43a. The bell crank 4-3 in turn drives the yoke 42 through the connecting link -34. The yoke 42 positions a pen arm 45 and a take-01f lever 46. 'Since the pressure differential, and hence the rotation of the torus 34, is directly proportional to the specific gravity of the gasundergoing measurement, the cam 49 is madelinear; hence the pen secured to the pen arm- 45 records the instantaneous value of the gas specific gravity on a suitable chart (not shown).

It is apparent that the apparatus thus far described provides means for exhibiting and recording the instantaneous magnitude of (a) the uncorrected value of the flow of gas through the conduit l8 and (b) the specific gravity of said gas. grates these two factors to obtain gas fiow compensated for specific gravity is set forth in detail hereinbelow.

Referring now to Figures 2 through 4, the housing 48 is pivotally mounted between and supported by the mounting plates 49, 49 and the pivot screws 50, 50 threaded therethrough. The mounting plates 49, 49 are in turn supported by the support member 5|. A drive link 52 interconnects the take-off lever 28 (best shown in Figure l) with the pivot assembly 53 anchored to the housing 48. Advantageously, the effective lever arm of the take-01f lever 28 is made equal in magnitude to the effective lever arm of the pivot assembly 53 (with reference to the pivot screws 55, 59), so that the angular displacement of the housing 48 is equal to the angular displacement of the take-off lever 28. Thus, the displacement of the housing 48 from its null position is proportional to the uncorrected flow. Referring now to Figures 2 through 6, the hooked-shaped bracket 54 supports the outer end of the shaft 55, the inner end of the shaft 55 being supported by the support member 5|. A

The manner in which my invention inte- .slide block 1,5 3.

the pulley l l 15 cerank :55 is :adiustahlyzmounted.onsthe shaft :55. ithezprincipal adj ustmenlrtherebetween being: nerziormed :by .rotatingethe floating :element :51 :rela- 'tive :to :the :fixed element 5.8, .by means :of the adjusting screw 535.9, while ;:a secondary :ad'justrment may :he ;.obtained .by backing ioff ithe 'set @screw 59a and rotating1the.-element-z58.;into ca inervposition. ZThe .cranksfifinsifurther characterized :by the provision of a :slot :56a,.-;a1ong1w;hich

".thezclinassemblyifiilbrmaybe adjusted. iBymeans aoi the assembly :dtb, :the crank .55 pivotably linked :to and driven -by'.'thefl.ever-=.46throu h t ,adiustabledength drive link til. Adjustment 01" the1en thri :the drivelink as is performedby sliding :thelowerportionfiaa within the tubular 1 zhortion 16% to the desired position and clamping the ,linka'teatthis; position hy,-;means of;the.-elam p screw li I .Also secured-t0 the shaft '5 is a :drive .arm 162 which includes an outer emember 452a. .Said outer member 6212 has a slot 63 therein which extends radially ,across the axis of -;the shaft ,55 and which provides waysalcng which :the slide block as may {be :adjustably positioned.

-Advantageous1y, the angularity between thecrank a .crank 458. A drive slot 63 extends :along vthe ,radius arm 50f the @crank :58 and receives the .ef the-crank 7-5.8 -is.a .U -shaped strap iii) which supports the idler pulley H and the adjusting .drum 12. .A-cable 53 .is anchoredat its one .-end

-.to theidrnm T2 and rides oven-and-is guided by means for .angularl-y positioning the drum "l2. Theother endnf the-cable i3 is secured to one side .of the guide block 325, said block -iloeing constrained-t0 moveralonga pair of arcnateslots 26, J5 formed inopposing wallssof the housing 1} A8. The-cable 5,3 is tensioned'by a helicalespring Ill which links :the other side of the block 15 to the anchoring pin 18 and urges the block 15 ,aWay fromrthe pivot screws .50, 58. Aroller i9 \pivotally supported by the bracketBEi supports .andguides thecahle '53 such that-itactsthrough V theaxisiof rotation ofthehousing 48.

As indicated above, the take-off lever rotates :in accordance ,withvariations in specific gravity. As ,the lever displaces, it "drives the .crank fi and the driver arm t2 ,thus imparting motion ,to the slide block 64 .and :the crank -,68. As the cranktii oscillates alooutthe pivot=assem- July 165 the arcuate motion of its outer-tree-end is transformed, through the conjoint actioncf the cable li and the .roller lt into a linear mostion which ;is imparted to the guide v lolock 1.5.

Advantageously, my invention converts the movement of the take-01f lever dfiinto a -functionally different movement at the :slide block 1:

A pivot :as- :30

Secured to the outer free end 1' A slotted head screw M provides :L

7 5 .is :at' the selected reference value.

tween thereffectilie .correstivermovements of the takeeoff lever 1:45 and ithe cblook involves a :minus sone-ihalf exponent- Thus, it .willahezseen that the housing 48and the. slide block 15 iormarotatablevariable length arm Whose angulardisplacement from null positionavaries ;proportionally to :a function of the :principal' factor, while :the .effectiveradius of the :armvaries inrproportion"toyafi'unction of the: sec- :ondary or corrective zfactor. The resultant 1coordinate :position cof the arm: is thus proportional :to the product pf theaforesaidtwo functions. In the'instant ease :the;polar positionof the block 51.15 :relative :to zthe pivot screws '50, .50 and :the null positionofthehonsing 48 reflects thevimag- ;n'itude:of-the uncorrected gassflow compensated :for specific gravity.

As best-.illus'tratedin Figure ,1, .the block 15 is driyably connected .to the :arm 8! .of the yoke 82 through :the :rlriven link '83. For reasons .ex- .plainedin detail below, the .radius of curvature of each :of .the arcuate slots 16, .76 ;;r.egisters with an imaginary are generated by the .1 radius arm :.of .the driven link 33 when the housing 48 is in snull position. :Secured to the yoke 82 area-pen qarmzt i and :an .integrator'take-off link 85. The pen:arm.z84 holds .a :pen 8,6 which.records sthe ,deflectioniofthe ayokearm Bl .on aJSuitabIe chart (not :shown). :It .isithis adeflection .of :the yoke arm BI, ;:then,:from its .null position, which .ex- -hibits the instantaneous .valuesof gas .fiow compensated for variations in specific gravity. The Ilin loi85 positions'the indexing arm 81 of integrator mechanism .(not shown), such as that set forth in Patent'No.2;376,108, entitled Integrator, issued to Maurice J,:iZucrow on"May 15, 1945. Through such integration mechanism the aggregate simultaneous fiovv :values 'may be integrated and registered in suitable units on the register 88.

Inoperationg-three sets of operating conditions are normally=enc0untered, viz: ('1) flow is'either 'steady state or varying, with specific gravity at the selected reference value, 2) specific gravity :is v-arying while'flow issteady state and (3) flow and aspecific-gravity bothvary. In the first circumstance, the torus lfl is displaced from its vnullpositionsan amountsuflicient toequalize the pressure differential across the primary-element l l. consequently, thehousing 48 deflects proportional to the rate of iflow, in the direction in- :dicated in Figure l. Since the specific gravityin this case isatthereference value, it is unneces- =sary ts correct the "flow measurement. Obvious- --ly, -a pressure diiferential will exist across the partition 31 of the-torus 34 so=1ong as an absolute irilet pressure to' the constant volume-blower unit 131 -eXiS'tS. Also, the 'gaspressurein most installa- 3 5 1 until the bott0m lirnit of the specific gravity rangesiszreached. Impractice, the weight 89 and "the adjustment :of the :linkage between :the lever :elfisand the cable 13 should-be such that the lever zarm 'of'ithe block 1,5 is eqnalzto :thee'ffective lever -arm=of rtheiyoke arm -81 awhen'the.specificgravity When :the

'ment in the line 36.

block is in this position, the angular deflection of the yoke arm 8| follows exactly the angular deflection of the take-01f lever 28, Thus the pen 86, which records the corrected gas flow, registers the same flow value as the pen 29, which records the uncorrected gas flow.

In the second circumstance listed above, however, the displacement of the housing 48 from its null position remains essentially fixed, while the specific gravity of the gas varies about the reference value selected. This variation in specific gravity causes a proportional variation in the pressure differential across the primary ele- This variation in pressure diiferential is in turn reflected back to the compartmented torus 3e, and acts to reposition the torus 34 at a new equilibrium position. These variations are recorded directly by the pen 41, while the interconnected linkage from the takeoff lever 46 to the cable 13 changes the position of the block 15 along the slots 16 in the manner indicated above. Movement of the block 15 repositions the pen 86 and the integrator take-off link 85 to the new equilibrium position, thus altering the magnitude of both the instantaneous and the aggregate flow readings. If the gas flow through the conduit l6 should for any reason equal zero, however, variations in the specific gravity of the gas would have no effect upon the final register. This feature obtains from the particular curvature of the arcuate slots l6, l6, specified above in combination with the null or zero position of the housing 46. Thus, the link 83 may oscillate as the specific gravity fluctuates without having any effect whatsoever upon the yoke arm 8|, so long as the housing 48 is in the position shown in Figure l and the radius of curvature of the slots 16, i6 equals the length of the link 83.

While it would be unusual to encounter the foregoing situation in actual operation, since the factors which influence the specific gravity of a gas also affect the volumetric flow thereof, such an illustration is nevertheless useful in clarifying the action of each component of my invention when operating under the conditions normally I encountered, namely: gas flow and specific gravity both fluctuating.

Actually, the action of the various elements under this condition may be thought of as being a combination of those encountered in the two situations just discussed. Thus, when both flow and specific gravity increase, the linkage of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 deflects in the direction indicated in dotted outline.

It will be seen, however, that increasing the specific gravity reduces the lever arm of the block 15 and that as a result the angular displacement 18 of the pen 86, which reflects the true gas flow, is less than the angular displacement at of the pen 29, which is a measure of the apparent gas flow. That the value of the corrected volumetric flow should not increase proportionately as great as the uncorrected volumetric flow under these conditions is borne out by the fact that the specific gravity of a gas varies inversely with the specific volume thereof, while the volumetric flow varies directly with the square root of the specific volume (assuming a perfect gas). Thus, if specific gravity increases,-specific volume decreases and the corrected volumetric gas flow is lower than the uncorrected value. The rate of flow of of the gas based on weight, rather than volume, will of course increase under this set of operating conditions. Conversely, if the specific gravit were to decrease, the force impressed upon the block 15 by the resultant movement of the torus 34 would act to increase the lever arm of said block 15 and thereby increase the magnitude of the corrected volumetric flow.

Thus far I have described in detail the manner in which my invention may be used to compensate apparent volumetric gas flow for variation in specific gravity of the gas. Basically, this transformation involves mathematical extraction of the magnitude of the specific gravity to the minus one-half power. Advantageously, the instant invention is also fully capable of generating countless other exponential relations between the function of an input corrective impulse and the function of an output corrective impulse. To achieve the exact motion translation required, the present invention includes a novel combination of adjustments whereby the various components comprising m compensating linkage may be accurately positioned relative to each other. Functionally, these adjustments may be separated into three main classifications, namely: (1) those which alter the shape of the basic correction curve; (2) those which change the amplitude of the basic correction curve; and (3) those which govern whether the corrective variable affects the principal factor directly or inversely. By basic correction curve is meant the plot of the mathematical relation which exists between the impulse imparted to the compensating linkage and the corrective impulse obtained therefrom.

In actual practice, the basic correction curve is most easily altered either by changing the angularity between the crank 56 and the lever 46, or by varying the angularity between the drive arm 62 and the crank 68, the angularity referred to being that which is defined by the foregoing elements when the measuring apparatus is in the null (or other reference) position. The exact position desired is readily obtained either by adjusting the element 56 relative to the element 58, or by shifting the pivot assembly 66 along the adjustment slot 61, or by a combination of the two. While these adjustment make it possible to obtain the requisite angularity between the crank 56, the drive arm 62 and the crank 68, it follows that the length of the drive link and the length of the cable 13 must be changed so as to bring the system back to the null or reference position. Under some circumstances, it may also be necessary to re-position the element 58 relative to the shaft 55.

On the other hand, the amplitude of the basic correction curve may be changed either by varying the position of the slide block 64 along the slot 63, thereby effectively changing the radius arm of the outer portion 62 1, or by moving the clip assembly 56b along the slot 56a, thereby increasing or decreasing the radius arm of the crank 56. In addition, the amplitude of the correction curve may be altered a small amount by changing the position of the pivot assembly 66 along the slot 61.

Through the use of my novel mechanism, it is also possible to choose whether the corrective variable is to be applied inversely or directly to the principal variable. Thus, for example, when the principal variable varies inversely with the factor for which it is being compensated, it is apparent that the corrected or true reading should decrease for any increase in the corrective factor. On the other hand, if the principal factor should vary directly with the factor for which it is being compensated, then the resultant 9 true value should increase. In actual practice these two methods of applying the corrective fac tor are realized by controlling the direction in which the guide block 75 moves as the corrective factor increases. Thus, by way of a concrete example, when volumetricflow is measured with the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the guide block 75 moves toward the pivot screws at. as the specific gravity increases. On the other. hand, were weight rate of now to be measured, then. the

guide block i5 would have to move away from the pivot screws 50. To change the manner in which the corrective factor is being applied, one of two methods is preferably used. Either the slide block 64 is moved along the slot 632 to. the other side of the shaft 55, i. e. in effect: displaced l80or else the drive arm 62; and the outer porition 62a are re-positioned so. that the limits of the arcuate travel of the slide block ecare dise placed approximately 180.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically one manner in which the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 5 may be set. Advantageously, when the null position of the compensating linkage is as shown in full line in Figure '7, the resultant correction curve is essentially linear in. its function. When the apparatus is adjusted: to this position, the take-off lever 46 is parallel to the crank 55, and thus thecrank 55, the drivearm the outer portion 62a, and the slide block cc; all follow within close limits the movement. of the take-01f lever 46. Inasmuch as the crank 68 typically deflectsthroughonly a very small angu lar deflection, themotion of the. guideblo'ck 15' also follows. within close limits the motion im-" parted to the take-01f lever at. An exemplary arithmetic plot of this motion is designated m in Figure 10. As explained above, the amplitude of the correction curve may be varied either by moving the block 64 along the slot-83., by moving: the clip assembly 5617' along the slot 55a, orby a combination of the two. Exemplary curves ob tained solely through these latteradjustments are shown at n and in Figure 10.

as an. illustration of the applicability. of the foregoing setting of the compensating linkage, the compensation of gas flow for specific gravity, where the molecular Weight of the; gas is com paratively high, may be mentioned. While theoretically the plot of specific gravity versus correction followsa square root. function asrspecific gravity increases from the zero value; actuall the curve flattens out at: comparatively high values of specific gravity and for small increments thereof approaches a straight; line:

function. Inasmuch as the range of the-specific gravity measuring element ordinarily. is limited to such small increments, the actual compensation required more nearly approaches a linear function than a square root function. Thus; the

compensating linkage shown in Figure accu.'

the vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation of the shaft 55. Consequently-an angularity factor is introduced into the system which causes the correction curveto deviate somewhat from the linear function shown -inzFi'gure lO.

On the other hand, where the relati between the compensating factor and=theprincipal factor the crank 56 relative to the lever 46;

ment of the take-off lever 46', follows closely a parabolic function. In actual practice, it is not practical to setthecrank 56 exactly perpendicular'to'the take-off lever 46 inasmuch as a dead center; condition would obtain; however, comparable results are achieved by setting the crank very closeto its dead center position. Exemplar-y curves x, y, and z gencratedby the arrangement of Figure 8 are plotted at Figure ll.

Yet another family of curves may be'obtain'ed by utilizing the arrangement shown in Figure-9,

in which arrangement the crank 56 and lever 46' are positioned such that they are essentially perpendicular at the upper limit of the compensation range. Whereas in Figure 11 the plot of the movement of the block 15 is approximately equal to the square root of the-plot of the-movement ofthe lever as, in Figure 12- the plot of the movement of the block 15 is approximately eq'ual-tothe square of the movement of the lever 45. As before, the amplitudeof this correction curve may be varied so as to obtain a familyof curves exemplified by the curves d, e, and f,

Obviously, other settings intermediate those shown in Figures 7, 8an'd 9 may be used to obtain other desirable correction characteristics. In general; these alternate correction characteristics. are most easily obtained by re-positioning Other ad'- J'ustments may be used, however. By way of example, were the pivot assembly iifi'of'Figure 8 to: be moved such that the crank 68 remained' in vertical position (which would necessitate moving the drive arm 62 and the outer portion 62a: away from the vertical positionshown), then the resultant correction curve Would'be somewhat flatter than that shownin Figure 11.

Through these novel adjustments, then, itbecomes possible to obtain the requisite basic correction curve which conforms to the particular problem; at hand. In general, I have found'that the arrangements'shown in Figures '7 through 9, and modifications thereof, generate basicacorrection curves all of which conform closely to tude of the correction curve; andthe exponent n has representative values n2 and Whether the sign of the exponent 12 takes the:

positive or negative value with respect to the principal variable will, of course; depend upon the manner inwhich the block l5moves as the compensating factor changes, for the reasons dise cussed above;

While I have shownhow the corre ction curve may be analyzedin t'ermsof a. generic, algebraic equation,- certain trigonometric relations, as" forexample a versine or harmonic relation, may also be readily obtained through the use of my invention. Nevertheless, this illustrative equation serves to point out the wide range of applicability inherent to my novel compensating linkage. Advantageously, any transformation characteristic within this wide and usefulrange may be obtained quickly and easily by means of the novel adjustments provided. When the correction curve which is required corresponds with one of those shown in Figures l0, l1 and 12, it may be obtained by arranging the geometry of the elements of my invention in the manner indicated in Figures '7, 8 and 9, respectively. Advantageously, these same arrangements (along with their corresponding curves) serve as guide posts for obtaining correction curves which are intermediate those shown, the exact curve desired being arrived at by means of conventional calibration methods.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the foregoing adjustment features may be omitted from my invention without in any way impairing its ability to provide accurate compensation. I have shown, for example, that the amplitude of the basic correction curve may be shifted either by adjusting the assembly 561) along the slot 56a, or by changing the effective lever arm of the slide block 64. By employing both of these adjustments it of course becomes possible to obtain a'more extensive range than would be the case if one were omitted; however, in some installations it may prove unnecessary to provide such an extensive range of amplitude.

Thus I have demonstrated the utility of my invention by explicitly pointing out its applicability to the correstion of gas fiow for variations in specific gravity. In addition, I have shown how my invention may be used to reproduce substantially all other transformation characteristics normally encountered in the instrumentation art. It is therefore apparent that the objects of my invention, as set forth hereinabove, have been fully achieved by the motion transformer illustrated and described. It is to be distinctly understood, however, that the apparatus shown and described herein is a preferred embodiment which has been given by way of example only, and that various changes and rearrangements of the details shown may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a measuring instrument responsive to the uncorrected magnitude of a principal variable, a housing pivoted at one end and including a member constrained to move along substantially the lever arm of said housing, mechanism for angularly positioning said housing in accordance with a function of said principal variable; means responsive to a second variable affecting said principal variable, said means controlling the position of said member relative to the pivoted end of said housing in accordance with a function of said second variable, said means comprising: linkage positioned in accordance with a function of said second variable, a crank actuated by said linkage, a first pivot and a first lever mounted thereon, drive means interconnecting said crank andsaid first lever, means for adjusting the effective length of said drive means, a second lever connected coaxially with said first lever, means for adjusting the angularity between said first and second levers, a second pivot and a third lever turning thereon, said third lever having a drive slot therein, a coupling member adjustably positionable along said guide means and drivably engaging said drive slot, connecting means drivably linking said third lever with said member on said housing, and exhibiting means operatively connected to said member whereby the position of said exhibiting means is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of said principal variable as corrected for the effect of said second variable.

2. In a measuring instrument responsive to the uncorrected magnitude of a principal variable, a housing pivoted at one end and including a member constrained to displace along substantially the lever arm of said housing, mechanism for angularly positioning said housing in accordance with a function of said principal variable, means responsive to a second variable affecting said principal variable, said means controlling the position of said member relative to the pivoted end of said housing in accordance with a function of said second variable, said means comprising: a pivoted member positioned in accordance with a function of said second variable, a frame, a first pivot on said frame, a first crank mounted on said first pivot, pivot means adjustable along said first crank, an adjustable length connecting rod between said pivoted member and said first pivot means, a second crank coaxial with and drivably connected to said first crank, a second pivot on said frame and a crank member mounted on said second pivot, means for adjusting the position of at least one of said pivots relative to said frame, guide means disposed along the length of said crank member, a follower on said second crank, said follower being constrained to move along said guide means, connecting means drivably linking said crank member with said member on said housing, and exhibiting means operatively connected to said member whereby the position of said exhibiting means is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of said principal variable as corrected for the effect of said second variable.

3. In a measuring instrument responsive to the uncorrected magnitude of a principal variable, a housing pivoted at one end and including a member constrained to move substantially along the lever arm of said housing, mechanism for angularly positioning said housing in accordance with a function of said principal variable, means responsive to a second variable affecting said principal variable, said means controlling the position of said member relative to the pivoted end of said housing in accordance with a function of said second variable, said means comprising: a pivoted member positioned in accordance with a function of said second variable, a first pivot and a crank mounted thereon, a drive member interconnecting said pivoted member and said crank, means for adjusting the length of said drive member, an arm coaxial with and drivably connected to said crank, a second pivot and a crank member mounted thereon, guide means on said crank member, a follower on said second crank, said follower being constrained to move along said guide means, connecting means drivably linking said crank member with said member on said housing, and exhibiting means operatively connected to said member on said housing whereby the position of said exhibiting means is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of said principal variable as corrected for the effect of said second variable.

4. A motion converting linkage comprising a 1e first pivot and a first" crank turni-ii g thereon; means for positioning said first crank, a second pivot and a second crank turningthereon, said second crank having a slot therealo'n'g; a pivot assembly adjustable along said slot, ania'djustable length link interconnecting said fi'rstcrank and said pivot assembly, an arm pivoted about said:

second pivot anddr-ivably connected to'saidsecond crank, means for adjusting the angularity between said second crank and said arm, said arm having a'guide slot therein disposedalong: thelever arm thereof, a coupling member adjustably movable along said-guideslot, a station ar'y mounting plate having a pivot slot' therein, pivot-means adjustably movable alongsaid pivot.

slot, a lever turning about said pivot means. and

having a drive slot therein. disposed. along. the. lever arm thereof, said. coupling member being.

member adjustably movable along. said guide. slot,

a stationary mounting plate having a pivot slot therein, pivot means adjustably movable along said pivotslot, a lever turning about said pivot means and having a drive slot therein disposed along the lever arm thereof, said coupling member being positioned within said drive slot and able; other mechanism responsive to a second variable, a pivoted member angularly positioned movable therealong, and means positioned by said lever.

6. Motion converting mechanism, comprisinga first pivot and a first crank turning-thereon, means for positioning said first crank in accordance with variations of a first variable, a rotatable shaft and a second crank secured thereof, an adjustable length link drivably-interconnecting said first crank and said second crank, an arm secured to said shaft, means for adjusting the angularity between said second crank and said arm, guide means on said arm extend- I ing along the radius arm thereof, a slide block positionable along said guide means, a second pivot and a lever turning thereon,- means for adjusting the position of said second pivot relative to said shaft, other guide means on said lever along the lever arm thereof, said slide block being constrained to move alongisaid other guide means, a third pivot and a housing pivotally mounted thereon, means for positioning said housing in accordance with the magnitude of a second variable, a member movable along said housing, a cable interconnecting said lever with said member, said cable acting through the axis of rotation of said housing, and means linked to and positioned by said member, whereby said second variable is compensated for variations in said first variable.

'7. Motion converting linkage comprising a shaft and a collar adjustably secured thereto, a bracket member rotatable about said shaft, screw means interconnecting said collar and said bracket member whereby the angularity therebetween may be adjusted, a first crank carried by said bracket member, a pivot assembly adjustable along the radius arm of said first crank,

apivoted member and means for positioning the same, an adjustable length connecting rod linking said pivot assembly and said pivoted member, an arm secured to and driven by said shaft, guide means on said arm traversing the axis of rotation thereof, a first pivot'and a lever mounted thereon, said lever having a driveslot therein, a coupling member adjustable along said guide means and drivably engaging said drive slot, means for adjusting the position of said first pivot relative to said shaft, and means positioned by said lever.

8. Motion converting linkage comprising ashaft and a collar adjustably secured thereto, a bracket member rotatable about said shaft, means interconnecting said-collar and said brack et member for adjusting the angularity therebetween, a first crank carried by said bracketmember, a pivoted member, and adjustable length connecting rod linking said crank and said pivoted member, an arm secured to and driven'by said shaft, guide means on said arm traversing the axis of rotation thereof, a' first pivot and a lever mounted thereon, said lever having a drive slot therein, a coupling member adjustable along said guide means and drivably engaging said drive slot, and means positioned by saidlever.

9. In a measuring device or the like, mechanism responsive to a first variable, a first pivot and a housing turning thereon, said housing being angularly positioned by said mechanismin accordance with a function of said first variby said other mechanism in accordance with a function of said second variable; and means whereby said function of said second variable is transformed and superposed on said function 1 of said first variable, said means comprising: a

lever pivoted at one end thereof, adjustable length connecting means between said pivoted member and said lever, a first crank coaxial with and driven by said lever, said first crank having guide means thereon, a second pivot and a second crank turning thereon, said second crank having crank turning thereon, an adjustable length link.

interconnecting said first lever and said crank, an arm pivoted about said second pivot and drivably connected to said second crank, means for adjusting the angularity between said second crank and said arm, a coupling member on said arm, athird pivot and a second lever turning thereon, means for adjusting the position of said third pivot relative to saidsecond pivot, said second lever including guide means disposed along substantially the lever arm thereof, said coupling member being. constrained to follow said guidemeans, and means positioned by said second lever.

11. A motion transformer comprising. a'firs't. pivot and a first lever turning thereon, means for positioning said first lever, a second pivot and a second lever turning thereon, a trunnion. member adjustable along said second lever, an adjustable length link interconnecting said first lever and said trunnion member,- a crank coaxial with and driven by said second lever, a stationary mounting member perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second pivot and having a positioning slot therein, a pivot assembly positionable along said positioning slot, a third lever turning on said pivot assembly and having a slot along the radius arm thereof, slide means movable along said slot and secured to and driven by said crank, and means positioned by said third lever.

12. A motion transformer which includes a first pivot and a crank pivotally mounted thereon, a pivoted member and means for positioning the same, adjustable length connecting means between said pivoted member and said crank, an arm coaxial with said crank and drivably connected thereto, said arm having a slot therein positioned to traverse the axis of rotation thereof, a second pivot and a lever pivotally mounted thereon, guide means positioned along the length of said lever, a follower adjustably positionable along said slot and constrained to displace along guide means, and means positioned by said lever.

13. A motion transformer comprising a first pivot and a first lever turning thereon, means for positioning said first lever, a second pivot and a second lever turning thereon, an adjustable length link interconnecting said first lever andsaid second lever, a crank coaxial with and driven by said second lever, a stationary mounting member perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said second pivot and having a positioning slot therein, a pivot assembly positionable along said positioning slot, a third lever turning on said pivot assembly and having a slot along the radius arm thereof, slide means movable along said slot and secured to and driven by said crank, and means positioned by said third lever.

14. A'motion transformer comprising a first pivot and a first lever turning thereon, means for positioning said first lever, a second pivot and a second lever turning thereon, an adjustable length link interconnecting said first lever and said second lever, a crank coaxial with and driven by said second lever, a third pivot, a third lever turning on said third pivot and having a slot along the radius arm thereof, slide means movable along said slot and secured to and driven by said crank, and means positioned by said third lever.

15. In a measuring device including a pivoted member and means for positioning the same, motion transforming apparatus comprising a first pivot and a first crank turning thereon, an adjustable length link interconnecting said first crank and said pivoted member, a second crank pivoted about said first pivot and drivably connected to said first crank, a second pivot and a lever turning thereon, guide means disposed along the length of said lever, a coupling member secured to said second crank and drivably engaging said guide means, and means positioned by said lever.

16. In measuring apparatus including a pivoted element positioned in response to a function of one or more variables being measured, a motion transformer comprising: a member and means supporting said member for rotation about an axis, a pivot assembly on a first portion of said member, means for adjusting the position of said pivot assembly along substantially the radius arm of said first portion, an adjustable length link between said pivoted element and said pivot assembly, a follower, means for adjusting the position of said follower on a second portion of said member relative to said axis thereof,- a rotatable 7 link including guide means positioned substantially along a radius arm thereof, said follower constrained to movement along said guide means, and means positioned by said rotatable link.

17. In measuring apparatus including a pivoted element positioned in response to a function of one or more variables being measured, a motion transformer comprising: a member and means supporting said member for rotation about an axis, linkage between said element and a first portion of said member, means for adjusting the angularity between said element and said first portion of said member, a follower, means for adjusting the position of said follower on a second portion of said member relative to said axis thereof, means for adjusting the angularity between said follower and said first portion of said member, a rotatable link including guide means positioned substantially along a radius arm thereof, said follower constrained to movement along said guide means, and means positioned by said rotatable link.

18. In measuring apparatus including an element positioned in response to a function of one or more variables being measured, a motion transformer comprising: a member and means supporting said member for rotation about an axis, linkage between said element and a first portion of said member, means for adjusting said linkage to vary the relative positions of said element and said first portion, whereby the relation between the motions of said element and said first portion may be other than linear, a follower, means for adjusting the position of said follower on a second portion of said member relative to said axis thereof, a rotatable link including guide means positioned substantially along a radius arm thereof,

said follower constrained to movement along said guide means, and means positioned by said rotatable link.

19. In measuring apparatus including an element positioned in response to a function of one or more variables being measured, a motion transformer comprising: a member and means supporting said member for rotation, linkage between said element and a first portion of said member, a follower secured to a second portion of said member, a rotatable link including guide means positioned substantially along a radius arm thereof, said member constrained to movement along said guide means, andmeans positioned by said rotatable link.

OTTO B. VETTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

